The 25-year-old attacker is also attracting interest from England, with EFL Championship side Southampton also monitoring his situation ahead of the summer transfer window.

According to Bild, Njinmah could be on the move this summer despite Werder Bremen's desire to retain him. With his contract situation becoming an important consideration, the German club may be tempted to cash in if a suitable offer arrives. He currently has one year left on his deal at the Weserstadion.

The Hamburg-born forward enjoyed another productive campaign in the Bundesliga, registering important contributions for Die Werderaner in a largely turbulent season that ended with Daniel Thioune as their head coach.

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Capable of operating on either flank or through the middle, Njinmah has scored 14 goals and provided four assists in 84 Bundesliga appearances since establishing himself in Bremen's first team.

The former Borussia Dortmund youth player has previously attracted interest from some of Europe's top clubs. Napoli explored a deal worth up to €10 million earlier this year, while AS Roma were also linked with the forward in previous transfer windows.

Hull City and Southampton to battle for Justin Njinmah

Hull City's promotion to the Premier League has significantly boosted their ambitions in the transfer market, and Njinmah is believed to fit the profile of a player the Tigers are seeking.

However, Southampton are also firmly in the race. The Saints have developed a growing reputation for recruiting talent from Germany, with technical director Johannes Spors previously overseeing several deals involving Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga players.

Southampton are expected to strengthen their attacking options this summer, and Njinmah's pace and versatility make him an attractive option.

With Werder Bremen open to selling the player for the right fee, both English clubs could be set for a transfer battle in the coming weeks.

Super Eagles: Can Njinmah play for Nigeria?

Despite representing no country at senior international level, Njinmah remains eligible to play for Nigeria through his family heritage.

The forward has previously admitted that representing the Super Eagles would be a serious consideration if an invitation arrives from the Nigeria Football Federation.

Speaking last year, Njinmah revealed that interest from Nigeria motivates him to improve further, although he also admitted that playing for Germany remains one of his ambitions.

“I know I'm being looked at by Nigeria, of course, but I can only decide when I get an invitation. Then I really would have to weigh up exactly,” the striker previously said.

The Super Eagles currently boast strong attacking options, including Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Tolu Arokodare and Akor Adams, but Njinmah's versatility could make him an interesting option for head coach Eric Chelle in the future.

For now, however, the immediate focus appears to be on his club future, with Hull City and Southampton both hoping to lure the Nigeria-eligible attacker to the attractive environment of English football.

The highly-rated 18-year-old attacker has signed a long-term contract with the Norwegian side and will be with them until 2030, ending months of speculation surrounding his future after emerging as one of the brightest young talents in Nigerian football.

Akanji enjoyed a remarkable 2025/26 campaign with Sporting Lagos, playing a key role in the club's successful promotion back to the Nigeria Premier Football League after they won the Nigeria National League title.

His performances throughout the season attracted interest from Europe, with Lillestrom moving swiftly to secure his services after monitoring him for over a year.

The Norwegian club's interest dates back around 18 months, when Akanji impressed during a trial stint, convincing them to keep tabs on his development before eventually finalising a deal this summer.

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The transfer marks the teenager's first move outside Nigeria and represents another example of Sporting Lagos' growing reputation as a breeding ground for elite young talents.

Seun Akanji's words after switching from Sporting Lagos to Lillestrom

Speaking after completing his first training sessions with his new club, Akanji admitted he was excited by the challenge awaiting him in Norway.

“It feels good. It's a big step for me, but I see it as the beginning of something bigger,” Akanji said in quotes revealed by Footy-Africa.

“I'm here to work, improve and show the world what I can do. It is no doubt a big move and a big challenge, but it is one I am fully prepared to take on.”

The winger also highlighted the differences he has already noticed since arriving in Europe.

“It's all about consistency and hard work. I kept learning, listening to my coaches and following their technical instructions.

“The quality here is very high, and I want to keep improving, help the team and take every opportunity that comes my way.”

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Akanji further revealed his long-term ambition remains to represent Nigeria at the senior level.

“Playing for the Super Eagles is a dream, but for now I'm focused on doing well here. If I perform consistently, I'm sure the call-up will come.”

Lillestrom Sporting Director Espen Olsen also expressed his excitement towards what the youngster can become with the Norwegian club.

“Seun impressed us big when he was on trial at the age of 16 in January 2025,” the 47-year-old said as revealed by the club's official website.

“Now he's finally formally ready for LSK and we're really looking forward to further developing him here at the club. He's an exciting and explosive player that we see great potential in,” Olsen concluded.

The teenager joins Lillestrom with a growing reputation after starring for Sporting Lagos in both the club's academy setup and senior side.

Known for his pace, dribbling ability and direct attacking style, Akanji hopes to follow in the footsteps of several Nigerian players like Akor Adams and Igoh Ogbu, who have used Scandinavian football as a springboard to catapult their careers in Europe and into the Super Eagles squad.

For Sporting Lagos, his departure represents another success story in player development, while for Lillestrom, the club will be hoping the Nigerian youngster can quickly adapt and fulfil his potential in the Eliteserien.

Lillestrom are currently third on the Eliteserien table, six points behind league leaders Tromsø.

The 26-year-old moved to the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium from Ligue 1 side Montpellier in January 2025, joining for just €5.5m.

Muscle injuries disrupted his first five months in Spain, limiting him to just four appearances across all competitions, where he scored no goals, and Sevilla escaped relegation by one point.

The pre-season leaning into the 2025/2026 season proved pivotal for Akor Adams as he broke into the Super Eagles squad, scoring on his debut against Lesotho in October.

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In all, Adams ended the season with 10 league goals, helping Sevilla secure top-flight status for yet another campaign as they escaped demotion by just a point.

Venezia sporting director issues Akor Adams transfer update

Sevilla had a change of ownership towards the end of last season and are looking to free up space in their books for wages in the upcoming campaign. As such, the club are compelled to sell their valuable players, and Akor tops that list, alongside French midfielder Lucien Agoumé.

The former FC Sogndal striker was informed by the club that they'll have to look elsewhere, against his preference, because of the financial situation of the record UEFA Europa League Champions.

With personal terms already agreed, Venezia saw their initial €10m offer rejected by the Andalusian club.

However, an improved €16m offer was met with a positive response by Sevilla, and both clubs have shaken hands over the deal, with formalities in place to make sure a transfer is completed as soon as possible.

Venezia's sporting director, Filippo Antonelli, spoke about the situation between both clubs and the striker involved, alongside their plans to sign more players before the transfer window slams shut this summer.

“I promise I'll tell you everything, but I'd like to do it when everything is closed. Akor Adams? It's a very advanced negotiation, but there are things to be defined.

“At the end of the market I will tell you every detail of every negotiation,” the 48-year-old said in quotes revealed by Calciomercato.

“Now it will be fair to respect the instructions of the coach. We'll consider whether to sign an extra midfielder and understand what to do.

“A second goalkeeper may be missing, a central defender and then we see. We want a team as competitive as possible for our goals.

“The exits will then be an important factor,” the former Monza midfielder concluded.

Venezia kick off their Serie A season with a home game against Lecce at the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on the 23rd of August.

Coach Akeem Busari-tutored side secured one of Africa's four qualification places after winning both legs of the West African derby. The qualification means Nigeria will make its ninth appearance in the tournament's 10 editions.

The Flamingos entered the second leg with a narrow 3-2 advantage after their victory at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, on July 4. In that first meeting, Queen Joseph, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Kindness Ifeanyi all found the net to give Nigeria a slim lead before travelling to neighbouring Togo for the return fixture.

The decisive second leg took place on July 11 at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, where both teams produced another entertaining encounter. Nigeria attacked from the opening whistle and took the lead after just six minutes through Mary Akpan Dunstan.

Benin quickly responded three minutes later when Romaine Gandonou equalised, but the Flamingos refused to lose control of the game. Esther Enne Stephen restored Nigeria's lead in the 14th minute before Queen Joseph added another goal six minutes later to stretch the advantage to 3-1.

Benin showed great determination after the break as Hermionne Lokossou reduced the deficit before Gandonou scored again to keep her team's hopes alive. However, Queen Joseph proved to be the difference-maker. The striker scored again in the 54th minute before completing a superb hat-trick in the 75th minute, ending Benin's comeback hopes and sealing an exciting 5-3 victory for Nigeria.

The result completed an impressive 8-5 aggregate success and confirmed Nigeria's place among Africa's representatives at the global tournament.

Flamingos learn World Cup opponents and Morocco 2026 schedule

With qualification secured, attention now turns to the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, which will be staged in Morocco from October 17 to November 7, 2026.

Nigeria will join Ghana, Kenya, Zambia and host nation Morocco as Africa's representatives at the competition.

The Flamingos have been drawn into a difficult Group B alongside defending champions North Korea, European side Poland and Puerto Rico. Every group-stage match will be played at the Women's Football Complex in Rabat.

Nigeria's campaign begins on Saturday, October 17, against Poland. The match will kick off at 6:00 p.m. local time on Pitch 4 and will provide an early test against one of Europe's strongest youth teams.

Three days later, on Tuesday, October 20, the Flamingos will face Puerto Rico at the same venue and kick-off time. Victory in that match could put Nigeria in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stage before the final group fixture.

The biggest challenge is expected to come on Friday, October 23, when the Flamingos meet two-time defending champions North Korea at 3:00 p.m. on Pitch 1. That encounter could decide the winners of Group B and determine Nigeria's path in the knockout rounds.

​The four-time Jupiler Pro League champions have been keeping tabs on Durosinmi over the last two years due to his performances while he was at Viktoria Plzeň.

​The striker was brilliant for Viktoria Plzeň during his time at the club. He recorded 35 goals and 10 assists in 86 appearances across all competitions.

​Due to his impressive performances, he was on the verge of joining Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt. However, the deal collapsed due to a long-term injury. He later joined Pisa in the January 2026 transfer window. He struggled for playing time there, scoring just one goal in 12 appearances as the club suffered relegation.

​Consequently, the Serie B side will be looking to offload key squad assets as they seek to balance their finances ahead of the new season, due to lower revenue in the second division.

​Transfer News: Genk Poised To Sign Durosinmi In Record-Breaking Deal

​Rafiu Durosinmi is among the players expected to leave Pisa during this summer transfer window after a difficult campaign at the club.

​According to reports from Belgian news outlet Het Nieuwsblad, Durosinmi remains a potential target for top clubs across Europe. He has been heavily linked with Turkish side Trabzonspor. However, the Belgian side — who made several failed attempts to sign him in the past — are now willing to break the bank for the striker.

​Durosinmi is a top talent, and Genk is ready to pay a record fee of €10 million, which is significantly higher than the fee for Théo Bongonda, who is currently the club's most expensive signing after joining the club in a €7 million deal in 2019.

The former Belgian kings see the Nigerian international as a player who replicate the success of his compatriot Paul Onuachu, who was once a key player at the club.

​At 23 years old, the Nigerian center-forward is a top-quality talent. He is physical, good on the ball, and has an impressive physique for a striker, which continues to attract attention from clubs across Europe.

However, signing him will be a tough task for Genk, as Trabzonspor are also interested. Bologna are also a potential threat as they look to strengthen their attack ahead of next season.

​Durosinmi will be looking for a fresh start after struggling at Pisa, so this summer will be crucial to his career. The striker made his debut for the Super Eagles at the recent Unity Cup and already has three caps to his name.

Nigeria missed out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after finishing behind South Africa in the qualifying campaign and later falling short in the playoffs. The failure extended the country's absence from football's biggest tournament after also missing the 2022 edition in Qatar.

The next World Cup will be held in 2030 and will be jointly hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco. By then, Simon, who celebrated his 31st birthday on Sunday, will be 35 years old.

The Paris FC winger has never played at the FIFA World Cup. He was ruled out of Nigeria's final squad for the 2018 tournament in Russia because of injury, before the Super Eagles failed to qualify for both the 2022 and 2026 editions.

Several of Nigeria's experienced players will also be well into their 30s by 2030. Captain Wilfred Ndidi will be around 33, Alex Iwobi will be 34, while star striker Victor Osimhen will be about 31 when the tournament begins.

Speaking to Urban Dwell Sport, Simon admitted that missing another World Cup has been painful for everyone in the dressing room.

“The players care about the World Cup more than anyone. They want to go to the World Cup. Even if they don’t make the team, they want their friends to go to the World Cup. They have feelings, but you can’t tell them not to eat because of the feeling.”

Simon backs Chelle's rebuilding project and next generation

Although Simon accepted that many of the current Super Eagles stars may not feature at the next World Cup, he is confident that head coach Eric Chelle is laying the foundation for a stronger future.

The winger believes fresh talents are already pushing into the national team and could become the backbone of Nigeria's squad by 2030.

“Sorry to say, about 90 or 95 per cent of the players in the current team, they’re watching. I don’t think they will play the next World Cup because the young players are coming up. Eric Chelle is building a new team, a strong team for the nation, which is really good for everyone.

“So possibly, in 2030, most of us will be supporters, supporting the mission.”

Despite the possibility that he may never fulfil his own dream of appearing at a World Cup, Simon remains hopeful that the next generation will achieve what his own generation could not.

“My father didn’t dream of playing football, but I am playing. If I don’t play at the World Cup, my son will. If my son doesn’t, I have players in the academy who will.”

Simon leaves behind an outstanding Super Eagles career that has stretched for more than a decade since making his senior debut in 2015. He has earned 98 international caps and is only two appearances away from joining Nigeria's exclusive group of players with 100 caps.

He has also become one of Nigeria's most dependable performers at the Africa Cup of Nations, making 23 appearances across several editions. During that period, he helped the Super Eagles win bronze medals in 2019 and 2025, as well as a runners-up finish at the 2023 AFCON.

The Super Eagles striker said education remains important to him despite the success he has achieved on the pitch. Osimhen explained that football careers do not last forever, and he wants to prepare himself for life after retirement while also inspiring young people to stay in school.

The 27-year-old admitted that leaving school was one of the biggest risks he ever took. Growing up in the Olusosun area of Lagos, his family struggled financially. His sisters worked hard to pay his school fees, but the difficult situation at home pushed him to make a life-changing decision.

Osimhen eventually dropped out during Senior Secondary School Three (SSS 3) so he could focus fully on football. He hoped that becoming a professional player would allow him to support his family and improve their lives. It was a gamble that eventually paid off, but he insists it is not a path others should copy.

The striker stressed that his story was a rare “make or break” situation and should not encourage young people to abandon their education.

Speaking about his future plans, Osimhen said:

“I’d love to go back to school and earn a degree because football only lasts 20–25 years. I already have investments, but I want to prove you can drop out, become successful, and still return to school to finish your education.”

His message is consistent with what he has told young footballers in recent years. During a visit to the Beyond Limits Football Academy, Osimhen encouraged academy players to take education seriously. He reminded them that learning to read and write is just as important as developing their football talent because not every young player will become a professional footballer.

Osimhen: Galatasaray success keeps Europe's biggest clubs interested

While thinking about life after football, Osimhen continues to shine on the field for Galatasaray.

After a hugely successful loan spell, the Turkish champions completed a permanent €75 million transfer from Napoli last year, making him the most expensive signing in Turkish football history. He signed a contract that runs until June 30, 2029, and reportedly earns around €21 million per season.

Since arriving in Istanbul, Osimhen has become the leader of Galatasaray's attack. He has helped the club win back-to-back Süper Lig titles, claimed the league's Golden Boot award and produced memorable performances in Europe, including a Champions League hat-trick against Ajax.

His goals and leadership have made him the first name on the team sheet, while Galatasaray's management continue to see him as a key part of their long-term plans.

Despite signing a long-term contract, interest from Europe's biggest clubs has not disappeared. Reports have linked Premier League side Chelsea with another move for the Nigerian striker as they continue searching for a proven goalscorer.

Spanish giants Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have also been mentioned as admirers of the Super Eagles forward, while reports claim Galatasaray recently turned down an unofficial offer worth around €120 million from an unnamed European club.

Any immediate return to Serie A is also unlikely because his transfer agreement from Napoli reportedly includes a clause preventing him from joining another Italian club during the first two years of his stay in Turkey.

DG Olopade maintains that the Franco-Malian tactician remains fully committed to the country's long-term football project.

Chelle appears to feature prominently on the wishlist of several nations on the continent after leading Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). His tactical work with the Super Eagles, together with the improvements he previously made with Mali, attracted attention from football federations looking for a new coach.

Among the strongest admirers was Algeria. After the Desert Foxes failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup under Vladimir Petković, the Algerian Football Federation reportedly contacted Chelle's representatives as it searched for a replacement.

Algeria believed Chelle already understood its football culture. Before becoming Nigeria's coach, he managed MC Oran in the Algerian league, making him familiar with the country's football environment. Reports also claimed Algeria was ready to offer him a salary of about $200,000 per month, which would have been multiple times his previous earnings with Nigeria.

However, Nigeria moved quickly to secure Chelle's future. With talks progressing positively between the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the NSC and the coach, Algeria gradually shifted its attention elsewhere, with Karim Belhocine emerging as the leading candidate for the Desert Foxes job.

Algeria was not alone in showing interest. Angola also explored the possibility of appointing Chelle to lead its long-term national team project. Officials were reportedly impressed by how he reorganised Mali into a competitive side before bringing a more organised playing style to the Super Eagles.

Gabon and Tunisia also monitored the situation during a period when Chelle's future had not yet been officially confirmed.

Côte d'Ivoire also had reasons to admire the coach. Chelle was born in Abidjan and holds Ivorian, French and Malian nationality. His knowledge of West African football, combined with coaching experience gained in Europe, made him an attractive option for the former African champions.

Despite all the attention, Nigeria remained determined not to lose its coach.

Nigeria reward Chelle with improved contract and bigger responsibilities

To keep Chelle in charge, the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission agreed on a significantly improved contract that shows the country's confidence in his long-term vision.

The biggest change is his salary. Chelle's monthly pay has increased from $50,000 to $100,000 after negotiations. Reports indicated that the coach initially requested $130,000 per month before both sides agreed on the current figure.

His responsibilities have also expanded beyond the Super Eagles. Chelle will now oversee Nigeria's U-23 Olympic Eagles, giving him greater influence in developing players who can progress from the youth ranks into the senior team.

The improved package also includes better welfare for his assistants, housing support with uninterrupted electricity, security arrangements, performance-based targets and clauses designed to protect the coaching staff from administrative interference in team selection.

Olopade believes the agreement proves Nigeria has done enough to secure its coach for the future.

“Before contracts are signed on paper, you must have done a great deal of work to solidify all ends,” Olopade told The PUNCH.

He added:

“It’s a renewed contract, which means it’s an existing one. We have agreed, so I am sure that the Nigeria Football Federation will conclude the documentation as soon as possible.

“Eric is a gentleman, so all the stories about other countries looking for him do not hold water. I’ve sat with him and I know he is not bothered by all those rumours.”

The renewed agreement is expected to keep Chelle in charge until 2030, giving him enough time to implement a long-term football philosophy across Nigeria's national teams.

His next major assignment will be leading the Super Eagles through the qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group H alongside Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau. Tanzania will also co-host the 2027 AFCON finals.

The qualification campaign will be played across three FIFA international windows. Matchdays One and Two are scheduled between September 21 and October 6. Matchdays Three and Four will take place from November 9 to 17, while the final two rounds of matches are set for March 22 to 30, 2027.

The Super Eagles must finish top of Group H to secure qualification for the 2027 AFCON.

​With the 2026 World Cup currently in its semifinal stage and set to conclude on July 19, discussions regarding the format of the next tournament have already begun.

​The 2026 edition serves as the first to feature 48 teams — an increase of 16 from the traditional 32. Aside from some off-field challenges, the tournament has been widely regarded as a significant success. Following this positive reception, there is already speculation regarding a further expansion to 64 teams.

​FIFA President Infantino, who spearheaded the shift to the 48-team format, confirmed that he is open to championing a 64-team structure when asked about the rumors.

​“This is certainly an issue that will be examined and debated within the relevant committees after this World Cup,” Infantino said, as reported by L'Équipe.

​”When you organize such a tournament, it’s important to design it for the whole world, not just for Europe and South America. Every nation should be able to dream of participating. We see that the level of play is extremely high and continues to improve globally. If we don't offer smaller countries the opportunity to participate, they will lose the motivation to continue developing.”

​Will the Super Eagles Profit from a 64-Team Format?

​While the 48-team World Cup has been a success, some critics argue that a 64-team tournament might dilute the exclusivity of the competition. However, it could prove beneficial for teams that have consistently struggled to qualify—specifically, Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

​Nigeria has failed to qualify for the last two World Cups, marking a disappointing eight-year drought for the team. It was expected that the expansion to 48 teams would make Nigeria a tournament staple; however, that remains to be seen.

A 64-team tournament would almost guarantee a place for Nigeria, as Africa would likely be allocated at least 15 slots.

​Even so, qualification is not guaranteed, given the team’s inconsistent performances in recent years. But in the meantime, the transition to a 64-team format remains a distant possibility.

The proposition has already faced opposition from various football stakeholders, but a great deal could change in the coming months as committees deliberate on the future of the game.

​In recent years, Inter Lagos has consistently produced top-tier talent, successfully facilitating their transition to European clubs for further professional development. Olamikun, widely regarded as one of the club's standout performers, is the latest to make the jump.

The left-footed center-back established himself as one of the highest-rated defenders in the league, a feat that ultimately paved the way for this significant career move.

​While specific terms remain undisclosed by either party, reports suggest Olamikun has signed a long-term contract. The 18-year-old has already arrived in Portugal and will begin his integration with the club’s youth setup, with the ultimate goal of earning a promotion to the senior team.

​How Many Nigerians Have Signed For SC Braga?

​SC Braga have a decent history of recruiting Nigerian players. Most notably, the club has featured former Super Eagles stars Uche Agbo and Elderson Echiejile. Agbo played for them for half a season, while Echiejile played there for four years, helping them win the Portuguese League Cup during his time there.

Other notable Nigerians who have represented the club are Kazeem Kareem, Abiodun Agunbiade, Chidi Osuchukwu, and Joseph Samson.

​According to Transfermarkt, Olamikun is the eighth Nigerian to join the three-time Portuguese top-flight winners. As this marks his first stint in Europe, the teenager will be focused on impressing the coaching staff to accelerate his path to first-team football.

Recall that Nwabali left the Chilli Boys after the end of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in February this year. Following that move, he was linked with several clubs in Africa.

South African giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates were linked with the 30-year-old, but nothing concrete emerged from those talks. Most recently, Saudi Arabia was also touted as a potential destination.

However, the Chilli Boys have now confirmed that the Super Eagles goalkeeper has returned for a second stint. The statement on the club's official page reads, “Chippa United Football Club is delighted to welcome Stanley Nwabali back to the Chilli Boys.

“After taking time away, Stanley Nwabali returns to the Eastern Cape, and we are pleased to welcome him back to the club.”

Why Has Nwabali Returned to Chippa United?

When Nwabali left Chippa in February, the prevailing belief was that he was set to join a new club. He had certainly paid his dues, having captained the side and played a pivotal role in ensuring the club retained its top-flight status during his four years there.

To the surprise of many, he remained without a club in the months that followed, despite heavy speculation.

It is interesting to note how Chippa United announced the Super Eagles star's return. The club’s statement reads: “After taking time away, Nwabali returns to the Eastern Cape, and we are pleased to welcome him back to the club.”

However, this stands in contrast to the announcement on February 5, when they confirmed his departure and wished him success “in the next chapter of his career and in all his future endeavours.”

This discrepancy raises questions. Did Nwabali intentionally take a break, or has he returned to Chippa due to a failure to secure a transfer elsewhere?

It remains to be seen whether Nwabali or Chippa United will provide clarity on the situation. Regardless, the goalkeeper will be focused on regaining his match fitness and returning to the pitch once the new season starts.

Arokodare's future has remained uncertain since Wolves were relegated from the Premier League last season, with growing speculation over whether he will stay at the club for the Championship campaign or seek a move elsewhere.

The 25-year-old joined Wolves from Belgian side Genk last summer, but he struggled to replicate the form that made him one of the most sought-after strikers in Belgium. He managed only a handful of goals during a difficult debut season as the West Midlands club suffered relegation.

Despite his disappointing campaign, interest in the Super Eagles forward has continued to grow, with several other European clubs also monitoring his situation.

According to Tuttomercatoweb via Transfermarkt, Fiorentina have joined the race for Arokodare's signature, making it a three-way battle between the Italian club, Galatasaray and Trabzonspor as they all look to strengthen their attacks ahead of next season.

Arokodare: Fiorentina, Galatasaray and Trabzonspor in the race for Super Eagles forward

Tolu Arokodare's future is shaping up to be one of the transfer stories to watch this summer despite an underwhelming debut season at Wolves.

The Old Gold have rejected several approaches for the striker because they want to keep him as they push for an immediate return to the Premier League. However, the club are willing to consider a sale if they receive an offer that is too good to turn down.

That stance could encourage interested clubs to step up their pursuit in the coming weeks. Trabzonspor were the first club to show serious interest as they look to reinforce their attack ahead of the new season. The Black Sea Storm recently lost Felipe Augusto to Russian side Zenit Saint Petersburg, increasing their need for another striker.

The uncertainty surrounding Paul Onuachu's future has also added to Trabzonspor's urgency. The Nigerian striker continues to attract interest from Saudi Arabia, although the Turkish club have already rejected two offers for him.

Galatasaray are also monitoring Arokodare as they search for attacking reinforcements following the expiration of Mauro Icardi's contract in June.

Fiorentina's arrival in the race makes the battle even more competitive. La Viola endured a difficult Serie A campaign last season, finishing just above the relegation zone, and are determined to improve their attacking options to avoid another struggle.

Arokodare is valued at around €20 million and an offer in that region could persuade Wolves to reconsider their position, potentially allowing the Super Eagles striker to begin the next chapter of his career elsewhere.

The match, played at the Jorge Costa Training and Football Development Centre, is Porto's first game of the 2026/27 pre-season as head coach Francesco Farioli prepares the team for the new campaign.

Sanusi was included in the squad after enjoying an extended summer break following his international duties with the Super Eagles. The Nigerian defender's return will be a welcome boost for Porto as the club gets set for another busy season in Portugal and Europe.

Porto looked the better side for most of the game and deservedly took the lead just before half-time when Borja Sainz finished off a well-worked move in the 45th minute.

The Portuguese champions thought they had scored several more goals, but three efforts were ruled out by the officials. Two of the disallowed goals came from Sainz, while another strike from Victor Froholdt was also chalked off.

Porto also came close on two other occasions. Midfielder Alan Varela struck the crossbar, while new signing Gabri Veiga saw his direct free-kick hit the post as Farioli's side created several chances throughout the match.

Despite Porto's dominance, Hibernian remained in the contest and found a late equaliser in the 80th minute. German defender Felix Passlack produced an excellent far-post volley to beat the Porto goalkeeper and earn the Scottish side a draw.

Hibernian goalkeeper Sallinger also made two important late saves to deny Porto a winning goal before the final whistle.

Busy pre-season awaits Porto as Sanusi's future remains uncertain

The draw was only the first step in Porto's preparations for the new season, with Farioli now set to increase the intensity of training over the coming weeks.

The squad will travel to St George's Park National Football Centre in England for a specialised training camp from July 13 to July 18. There the players will continue to work on fitness, tactics and team chemistry ahead of the competitive season.

Porto's next friendly is scheduled for July 16 against Al-Arabi SC, before they return home for their most anticipated pre-season match against Premier League club Aston Villa at the Estádio do Dragão on July 25.

The Portuguese giants will then officially begin their campaign in early August when they compete for the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira, giving Sanusi and co the opportunity to win their first silverware.

The coming weeks could prove even more important for Sanusi off the pitch as they are on it.

The Nigerian international has one year remaining on his current contract, which expires in June 2027. Porto are reportedly eager to avoid losing one of their experienced defenders for free and have made extending his stay a priority by preparing a new two-year contract with improved financial terms.

However, the situation is far from settled. After rejecting a move to the Premier League during the January transfer window, Sanusi continues to attract interest from several clubs across Europe. Serie A side Atalanta and English club Leeds United are among the teams monitoring his situation should negotiations with Porto fail to produce an agreement.

On the field, Sanusi also faces strong competition for the left-back position from Francisco Moura. That makes every pre-season match important as he looks to convince Farioli that he deserves a regular place in Porto's starting lineup ahead of the new campaign

According to reports from Turkey, Gençlerbirliği have invited Onyekuru's representative to Ankara to discuss a mutual agreement that would allow both sides to go their separate ways before the start of the 2026/27 season.

The club recently began pre-season preparations and is also preparing for its first friendly match, but Onyekuru is no longer part of the plans for the new campaign. Club officials believe ending his contract is the best solution after his difficult season.

Reports also say Gençlerbirliği must pay the Nigerian winger €240,000 by Tuesday, July 14. If the payment is not made before the deadline, Onyekuru will reportedly be released from his contract.

Turkish outlet Spor Depor also reported that preliminary discussions have already taken place between the club and the player's camp, with both parties talking through the conditions needed to complete the contract termination.

The decision comes after Gençlerbirliği finished the 2025/26 Turkish Süper Lig season in 14th place with 34 points, narrowly avoiding relegation and immediately beginning plans to rebuild the squad for next season.

Super Eagles' Onyekuru: A difficult season after a career filled with success

Onyekuru joined Gençlerbirliği from Saudi Arabian club Al-Fayha during the summer of 2025, hoping to revive his career in Turkish football. However, things did not go as planned.

The 29-year-old featured in only 19 matches in all competitions, playing a total of just 433 minutes. He finished the season without scoring a single goal or providing an assist.

His campaign was affected by injuries, limited playing time and several occasions when he was left out of the matchday squad.

The struggles are a sharp contrast to earlier stages of his career. Onyekuru first caught Europe's attention at Belgian club Eupen, where he scored 22 league goals during the 2016/17 season. His performances earned him a move to Premier League side Everton, although work permit issues prevented him from making a competitive appearance for the English club.

He later enjoyed the best spell of his career at Galatasaray, helping the Istanbul giants win the Turkish Süper Lig title and Turkish Cup during the 2018/19 season after scoring 14 league goals. He also won the Belgian Super Cup with Anderlecht and the Greek Super League title with Olympiacos.

After spells with Monaco, Adana Demirspor and Saudi club Al-Fayha, Onyekuru returned to Turkey hoping to rediscover his best form. Instead, his time at Gençlerbirliği has been one of the toughest periods of his professional career.

Despite his club struggles, Onyekuru has represented Nigeria 16 times at senior level and scored two goals for the Super Eagles. He was also part of the Nigerian squad that won the bronze medal at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

If the contract termination is completed in the coming days, the experienced winger will begin searching for a new club where he can restart his career and work his way back into the Super Eagles picture.

According to reports in Turkey, Beşiktaş have stepped up efforts to sign Moffi from French club OGC Nice as the Turkish giants continue to reshape their squad ahead of the new season.

The Istanbul club, led by head coach Vincenzo Italiano, are looking for a reliable centre-forward who can lead their attack. Moffi has emerged as one of their top targets after months of monitoring the Nigerian striker's situation in France.

According to reports, Beşiktaş have now moved from watching the player to actively trying to complete a deal. Nice are willing to sell the 27-year-old permanently if they receive an acceptable transfer fee, while Moffi is also ready to leave the Ligue 1 side after his relationship with sections of the club's supporters broke down.

The move could give the Super Eagles striker a fresh start after two difficult years that included a serious injury, an unhappy spell with fans, and an unsuccessful loan in Portugal.

Why Moffi wants a fresh start after difficult spell at Nice

Moffi returned to Nice this summer after spending the second half of last season on loan at Portuguese giants FC Porto.

During his time in Portugal, the Nigerian made 15 appearances in all competitions. He scored twice, once in the Portuguese league and once in the UEFA Europa League, and also provided one assist. Porto had the option to sign him permanently for around €8 million but decided against activating the clause, meaning he returned to Nice for pre-season.

However, his future at the French club appears to be over. The breakdown in Moffi's relationship with Nice supporters followed a tense period during the club's poor run of results. After one defeat, a group of angry fans reportedly confronted Moffi and his teammate Jeremie Boga both verbally and physically. The incident left a lasting impact on the striker, who later appealed to French football authorities to terminate his contract.

With the atmosphere around the club becoming increasingly difficult, Nice are now prepared to allow the Nigerian international to leave if the right offer arrives.

Beşiktaş believe Moffi's experience across several European leagues makes him the right player to strengthen their attack. The Turkish club are impressed by his physical strength, ability to hold up the ball, pace, and eye for goal.

Moffi has built an impressive career since leaving Nigeria for Europe. He began his professional journey in Lithuania with Kauno Žalgiris and Riteriai before earning a move to Belgian side Kortrijk in 2020.

His performances there quickly caught attention, leading to a transfer to French club Lorient later that year. Moffi adapted quickly to Ligue 1 football, scoring 14 league goals in his first season. He eventually scored 35 goals in 90 appearances for Lorient, earning the admiration of clubs in the French top tier.

Those performances convinced Nice to sign him in January 2023 in a deal that eventually became a permanent transfer worth around €30 million.

He made an immediate impact, producing memorable moments such as a spectacular bicycle-kick goal against Basel in European competition. During the 2023-24 season, he finished as Nice's top scorer with 11 goals.

Unfortunately, his progress was halted by a serious ACL injury in the summer of 2024. The knee injury kept him out of action for 314 days and made it difficult for him to regain his best form after returning.

Despite those setbacks, Moffi remains highly regarded because of his proven goalscoring record and experience in Lithuania, Belgium, France, Portugal and European competitions.

On the international stage, Moffi made his Super Eagles debut against Cameroon in June 2021. One of his most memorable moments in Nigerian colours came in September 2022 when he scored twice in Nigeria's record 10-0 victory over São Tomé and Príncipe during the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

He was also called into Nigeria's squad for the 2023 AFCON after Victor Boniface suffered an injury, helping the Super Eagles during their run to the final.

The qualification was confirmed on Saturday, July 11, following an exciting 5-3 victory over Benin Republic in the second leg at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo. The result completed an impressive qualifying campaign for the Nigerian youngsters, who will now represent the country at the global tournament scheduled to take place in Morocco from October 17 to November 7, 2026.

Nigeria went into the return leg with a slim advantage after winning the first meeting 3-2 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, on July 4. Goals from Queen Joseph, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Kindness Ifeanyi gave the Flamingos a valuable lead before travelling to Togo for the decisive encounter.

The second leg produced plenty of drama from the opening whistle. Nigeria made the perfect start when Mark Akpan Dunstan scored in the sixth minute to put the visitors ahead. Benin responded almost immediately as Romaine Gandonou equalised in the 11th minute, ensuring the contest remained wide open.

The Flamingos quickly regained control. Esther Enne Stephen restored Nigeria's lead in the 15th minute before Queen Joseph added a third goal just four minutes later to give the visitors a comfortable 3-1 advantage before halftime.

Flamingos: Queen Joseph's hat-trick seals Morocco ticket

Nigeria continued their attacking display after the break and increased their lead in the 54th minute when Queen Joseph confidently converted a penalty to make it 4-1 and score her second goal of the afternoon.

However, Benin Republic refused to surrender. The Young Amazons mounted an impressive comeback as Hermionne Lokossou found the net before Romaine Gandonou grabbed her second goal of the match. Their quick goals reduced the score to 4-3 and increased the tension inside the Stade de Kégué, with the home side sensing an unlikely comeback.

Just as the pressure was building on Nigeria, Queen Joseph stepped up once again. In the 76th minute, she completed a brilliant hat-trick to restore Nigeria's two-goal advantage and effectively end Benin's hopes of overturning the tie. Her outstanding performance ensured the Flamingos claimed a deserved 5-3 victory on the day and an 8-5 aggregate success.

The qualification continues Nigeria's strong record in African women's youth football. Before facing Benin Republic in the final round, the Flamingos had completely outclassed Guinea in the previous qualifying stage, recording a massive 11-0 aggregate victory. Nigeria won the first leg 5-0 away from home before completing the job with a dominant 6-0 victory on home soil.

The Flamingos will now shift their attention to the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco, where they will compete against some of the best young teams from around the world.

Le Nerazzurre confirmed the signing earlier today, announcing that the Nigerian international has signed a two-year deal that will keep her at the club until June 2028.

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Payne arrives in Milan after spending two seasons with Everton, where she made 50 appearances following her transfer from Spanish side Sevilla in 2024.

The 31-year-old now embarks on a new chapter in Italy, joining an ambitious Inter side looking to challenge for major honours domestically and in Europe.

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Nigeria: Toni Payne elated after joining Inter Milan from Everton

Speaking after sealing the move, the Super Falcons star admitted that her career is entering a new stage.

“I'm really excited to be signing for Inter. There's so much history at the club, and I'm really happy to be a part of it,” Payne told the club's official website.

“It means so much to me. I'm in a different phase of my career. I'm really excited to be joining such a competitive league and a competitive team that are striving for great things.”

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, to Nigerian parents, Payne began her European journey with Dutch giants Ajax in 2017 before moving to Sevilla a year later.

She spent six seasons in Spain, making over 180 appearances and scoring 30 goals for the Liga F club, establishing herself as one of the league's most consistent attacking midfielders before her switch to England.

Although she represented the United States at the youth level, Payne switched allegiance to Nigeria in 2021 and has since become a key figure for the Super Falcons.

The versatile midfielder has featured for Nigeria at major tournaments, including the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup and the 2024 Olympic Games, and was recently named in Justine Madugu's squad for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Payne also outlined the qualities she believes she can bring to Inter.

“The league is very competitive. I think I have a couple of qualities that I can demonstrate here, so I'm excited to do that in the upcoming seasons.

“I think I have a lot of speed, I like to dribble a lot and put in good crosses. I really hope those qualities can help Inter a lot, and I'm eager to get started,” Payne concluded.

Her arrival also strengthens Nigeria's growing presence in Italian women's football, with compatriots such as Rinsola Babajide and Shukurat Oladipo already plying their trade in the Serie A Women's League.

For Payne, the move represents both a fresh challenge and an opportunity to compete at the highest level once again as she prepares to help Inter push for silverware in the upcoming season.

​Expectations were high for the squad, managed by former Sporting Lagos Academy boss, Eboboritse Uwejamomere, but the team failed to meet them. After a 3-2 loss to Tanzania and a 4-2 defeat to Australia, the Eaglets managed only a stalemate against China to close out their campaign.

​This result has left many fans anxious, particularly given Nigeria’s struggles in age-grade competitions over the past five years. Moving forward, the team will remain under intense scrutiny.

However, while the tournament exposed significant deficiencies, there were some positives to build upon. In this article, soccernet.ng/wp/wp/ identifies three vital takeaways from the Golden Eaglets' performance in China.

​1. Defensive Problems Plague Eboboritse's Team

​The most alarming issue from the tournament was the team's defensive structure. Over three games, the Eaglets conceded eight goals and failed to keep a single clean sheet. While the squad is young, such a defensive record is shambolic and reflects poorly on the coaching staff.

​The hallmark of a great team is its defense, and it is a collective responsibility that extends beyond the backline. The fact that the technical crew could not address these defensive vulnerabilities over the course of the tournament suggests a deeper issue — whether it is a lack of player work rate, the individual quality of the defenders, or a combination of both, this situation must be rectified immediately.

​2. Attacking Potential

​While Nigeria leaked goals at an alarming rate, they remained potent in the final third, finding the net five times throughout the tournament.

​This is a promising sign, indicating that there is genuine attacking talent capable of threatening any opposition. Coach Eboboritse now faces the challenge of fine-tuning the attack to create even more scoring opportunities while finding a better balance within the squad.

​3. How Limited Preparation Affected The Team

​The Golden Eaglets arrived at the China invitational having been in camp for only three weeks, following an opening on June 16. Given the rigorous nature of team selection and tactical training, it is clear the coaching staff lacked the necessary time to build chemistry, match fitness, and a full understanding of the team's playing philosophy.

​It is reasonable to suggest that with more time together, the outcome of this tournament might have been different.

​4. Can They Compete in WAFU B?

​With the China invitational concluded, Nigeria’s focus now shifts to the WAFU B tournament in September, which serves as the qualifier for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (U-17 AFCON).

​The stakes could not be higher: failure in this competition would result in missing out on both the U-17 AFCON and the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Whatever adjustments coach Eboboritse needs to make, he must make them quickly to ensure the team is ready to deliver the required results.

Arokodare's future has been the subject of speculation following Wolves' relegation from the Premier League to the Championship at the end of last season.

The Nigerian striker joined the Old Gold from Belgian side Genk after an impressive spell in Belgium but struggled to make an impact in England, scoring just three Premier League goals as Wolves endured a disappointing campaign that ended in relegation.

His situation became even more difficult during the second half of the season as he fell behind Adam Armstrong in the pecking order, limiting his opportunities and he was reduced to substitute appearances until the end of the campaign.

However, interest from multiple clubs looking to offer him a fresh start has cast further uncertainty over the future of the 25-year-old ahead of next season.

Wolves make decision on Arokodare’s future 

The Nigerian international’s uncertain future has led to transfer attention from several clubs, who have been monitoring his situation as they look to strengthen their attack ahead of the next campaign.

According to reports from Buchi Laba, Trabzonspor lead a host of clubs to have explored the possibility of signing Arokodare this summer, although the 25-year-old is keen on remaining in the West Midlands.

“Yes, Trabzonspor did enquire about Tolu Arokodare but the player's priority is to stay back in England”, he posted on X.

“Trabzonspor enquired when the Saudis made an approach for Paul Onuachu, looking for a replacement, even though the enquiry was rejected.

“Tolu has offers from Belgium, Italy and also from France. All have been rejected by Wolves.”

Despite the amount of interest in the Super Eagles forward, Wolves are keen on keeping him as they eye an immediate promotion to the top flight, although they are not completely ruling out a transfer if the right offer arrives.

“They want to keep him but are very open to selling or loaning him if the money makes sense. For them, they believe Tolu can lead them back to Premier League football.

“Look out for this one”, he concluded.

Arokodare's future remains one to watch as the summer transfer window progresses, with several clubs still monitoring his situation.

The Nigerian international is also expected to carefully consider his next move after a challenging debut season in England, with regular playing time likely to be one of the biggest factors in whatever decision he eventually makes.

The 29-year-old became a free agent after his contract with the Scottish champions expired at the end of June, although Celtic have remained in talks with the Nigerian forward over a possible extension.

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill recently confirmed his desire to keep Iheanacho at Parkhead, admitting that he wants the striker's future resolved quickly so he can participate fully in pre-season preparations.

However, fresh reports from Scotland suggest the Hoops may now face serious competition from the Middle East.

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New twist emerges in Kelechi Iheanacho's Celtic future

According to the Daily Record, Iheanacho currently has several lucrative offers on the table, with clubs from Saudi Arabia and Qatar joining long-standing interest from Turkey and Major League Soccer.

The latest development could significantly complicate Celtic's efforts to retain the former Leicester City striker. Iheanacho enjoyed a remarkable resurgence during the second half of last season, scoring crucial goals as the Hoops completed a domestic double.

The Super Eagles forward netted six goals in nine substitute appearances during the Premiership run-in and also delivered decisive performances in the Scottish Cup, including a brace in the semi-final against St Mirren and a goal in the final.

Despite his preference to remain in Glasgow, Celtic's delay in concluding negotiations could hand rival suitors a major advantage.

Middle Eastern clubs are expected to offer significantly higher financial packages than the Scottish champions, presenting Iheanacho with an opportunity to secure one of the most lucrative contracts of his career.

Celticshorts also reported that the Turkish clubs were leading the chase outside Scotland, while Brazilian outfit Vasco da Gama also briefly explored a move before interest cooled.

Now, the emergence of Saudi and Qatari interests has further complicated matters. With Celtic's pre-season already underway and UEFA Champions League qualifiers approaching later this month, there is growing pressure on the Scottish champions to accelerate negotiations.

Manager Martin O'Neill previously stressed the importance of giving Iheanacho a full pre-season after the Nigerian struggled with fitness issues last year following an interrupted summer.

The former Manchester City striker remains highly valued within the Celtic dressing room, but the longer negotiations continue, the greater the risk of losing him to financially stronger rivals.

For now, Iheanacho is carefully assessing his options, but Celtic may need to move quickly if they are to avoid seeing one of last season's key performers head elsewhere this summer.